CO2 Separation
Coal and natural gas remain the pillars of the energy supply. Approximately two thirds of power requirements will in future continue to be met by fossil fuels. A by-product is the gas carbon dioxide. While it produces tiny refreshing bubbles in mineral water, large quantities cause the atmosphere to heat up.
As well as visible water vapour clouds, coal power
plants also produce invisible carbon dioxide.
Membranes will be used to separate the carbon dioxide.
With the aid of novel membranes, Jülich researchers hope to capture carbon dioxide in the power plant itself. Five institutes are working together on new materials and processes in the programme "CO2 separation in fossil power plants" (more...):
- The Institute for Materials and Processes in Energy Systems (IWV-1) is developing membranes for efficient gas separation.
- The Institute for Materials and Processes in Energy Systems (IWV-2) is testing and modelling the properties and stability of membranes.
- New concepts for power plants with gas separation and membrane application are being created by the Institute for Materials and Processes in Energy Systems (IWV-3).
- The Programme Group Systems Analysis and Technology Evaluation (STE) is conducting an analysis of CO2 separation, transport and storage with respect to energy and the environment.
- The Central Technology Division (ZAT) is designing and building test units for membranes.
last change 04.11.2005 | | Print